1 Corinthians 4:19

KJV

But I will come to you shortly, if the Lord will, and will know, not the speech of them which are puffed up, but the power.

KJV (with Strong's)

But {G1161} I will come {G2064} to {G4314} you {G5209} shortly {G5030}, if {G1437} the Lord {G2962} will {G2309}, and {G2532} will know {G1097}, not {G3756} the speech {G3056} of them which are puffed up {G5448}, but {G235} the power {G1411}.

Complete Jewish Bible

But I am coming to you soon, if the Lord wills; and I will take cognizance not of the talk of these arrogant people but of their power.

Berean Standard Bible

But I will come to you shortly, if the Lord is willing, and then I will find out not only what these arrogant people are saying, but what power they have.

American Standard Version

But I will come to you shortly, if the Lord will; and I will know, not the word of them that are puffed up, but the power.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
The Apostle Paul declares his imminent arrival in Corinth, a visit contingent upon the Lord's will. His purpose is not to engage in rhetorical debates with the arrogant factions within the church but to conduct a thorough spiritual assessment, discerning the true nature of their spiritual state by observing not their empty boasts or eloquent words, but the genuine manifestation of divine power.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within Paul's broader address to the Corinthian church concerning their spiritual immaturity, divisions, and pride. In the preceding chapters, Paul has contrasted human wisdom with God's wisdom ([1 Corinthians 1:18-25](/1_corinthians/1-18-25 "1 Corinthians 1:18-25 - The Wisdom of God")) and established the nature of true apostolic ministry as one of humble suffering and service ([1 Corinthians 4:9-13](/1_corinthians/4-9-13 "1 Corinthians 4:9-13 - The Apostles as Spectacles")). He has just mentioned sending Timothy to them as his representative ([1 Corinthians 4:17](/1_corinthians/4-17 "1 Corinthians 4:17 - Paul Sends Timothy")) and noted that some among them had become "puffed up," presuming he would not visit ([1 Corinthians 4:18](/1_corinthians/4-18 "1 Corinthians 4:18 - Some are Puffed Up")). Verse 19 directly challenges this presumption, asserting Paul's personal intention to come and confront their arrogance with spiritual authority.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Corinth was a prominent Roman city, a bustling commercial hub known for its diverse philosophical schools and a high regard for rhetoric and eloquent speech. In this cultural milieu, persuasive oratory was often equated with wisdom and authority. The Corinthian church, influenced by these societal values, had developed an unhealthy admiration for human charisma and intellectual prowess, leading to factions and a spirit of self-congratulation. Paul's emphasis on "power" over "speech" directly confronts this cultural bias, asserting a counter-cultural standard for spiritual authenticity rooted in divine enablement rather than human performance.

* **Key Themes:** This verse is pivotal in highlighting several core themes throughout 1 Corinthians. It underscores the **nature of true wisdom** (contrasting human wisdom with the power of God, as seen in [1 Corinthians 2:1-5](/1_corinthians/2-1-5 "1 Corinthians 2:1-5 - Paul's Preaching in Power")), the **authority and authenticity of apostleship** (Paul asserts his right and responsibility to confront spiritual immaturity, a theme woven throughout [1 Corinthians 4](/1_corinthians/4 "1 Corinthians 4 - Apostles as Servants")), and the pervasive issue of **humility versus spiritual pride** (the recurring problem of being "puffed up," which Paul addresses multiple times, for instance in [1 Corinthians 8:1](/1_corinthians/8-1 "1 Corinthians 8:1 - Knowledge Puffs Up")). Furthermore, Paul's submission to "if the Lord will" emphasizes the overarching theme of **divine sovereignty** in all aspects of ministry and life.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **know (Greek, _ginṓskō_):** This verb signifies a deep, experiential, and discerning knowledge, not merely a superficial acquaintance. Paul's intention to "know" implies an authoritative assessment of the spiritual reality within the Corinthian church, moving beyond their outward expressions to grasp the true substance (or lack thereof) of their faith and spiritual state.
* **puffed up (Greek, _physióō_):** Derived from the concept of "blowing" or "inflating," this term vividly describes someone who is swollen with pride, arrogant, or conceited. It conveys a sense of empty, hollow boastfulness, suggesting a lack of genuine spiritual depth or humility. Paul uses this word frequently in his letters to the Corinthians to diagnose their spiritual immaturity.
* **power (Greek, _dýnamis_):** This word denotes inherent ability, strength, or miraculous power, often referring to the effective working of God's Spirit. In contrast to human "speech" or eloquence, Paul emphasizes this divine enablement as the true measure of spiritual authenticity and the tangible manifestation of God's presence and activity, which produces genuine spiritual fruit and transformation.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But I will come to you shortly, if the Lord will":** Paul definitively states his personal intention to visit the Corinthian church in the near future. Crucially, this declaration is immediately qualified by "if the Lord will," underscoring his complete submission to God's sovereign plan and purpose for his ministry and travels, a common expression of dependence in the early church.
* **"and will know, not the speech of them which are puffed up":** Paul clarifies the purpose of his visit: to discern the true spiritual condition of those who are arrogant and self-important. He explicitly states that his focus will not be on their eloquent words, persuasive rhetoric, or empty boasts, which are merely superficial expressions of their pride and human wisdom.
* **"but the power":** In sharp contrast to their superficial "speech," Paul asserts that he will assess the "power"—the genuine spiritual authority, divine enablement, and transformative work of God that should be evident among them. This highlights that true spiritual reality and the Kingdom of God are manifested not in human eloquence but in the Spirit's active presence and effect.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs a powerful **Antithesis** by sharply contrasting "speech" (_logos_) with "power" (_dynamis_). This rhetorical device highlights the central tension Paul addresses within the Corinthian church: the superficiality of human eloquence versus the substantive reality of divine enablement. The explicit "not... but" construction emphasizes this opposition, underscoring Paul's value system and his commitment to spiritual substance over outward show. Furthermore, the phrase "puffed up" (_physióō_) functions as a vivid **Metaphor**, figuratively describing spiritual arrogance as an inflated, hollow state, devoid of genuine spiritual weight. This imagery effectively conveys the emptiness of their pride and sets the stage for Paul's discerning assessment of true "power." Paul's personal assertion of his visit also serves as an exercise of **Apostolic Authority**, reminding the Corinthians of his role as their spiritual father who will personally intervene to correct and guide them.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Corinthians 4:19 profoundly articulates the theological truth that the Kingdom of God is not built on human wisdom or persuasive words, but on the manifest power of the Holy Spirit. Paul consistently champions divine enablement over human eloquence, challenging believers to prioritize God's transforming work over impressive rhetoric. His humble acknowledgment, "if the Lord will," also underscores the critical theological principle of divine sovereignty, reminding all believers that our plans and ministries are ultimately subject to God's perfect will. The confrontation of the "puffed up" also connects to the broader biblical emphasis on humility as a foundational virtue for genuine spiritual growth and the reception of God's grace.

* [1 Corinthians 2:4-5](/1_corinthians/2-4-5 "1 Corinthians 2:4-5 - Paul's Preaching in Power, Not Wisdom")
* [James 4:15](/james/4-15 "James 4:15 - Submitting to God's Will")
* [Romans 15:19](/romans/15-19 "Romans 15:19 - Paul's Ministry by Power of the Spirit")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
1 Corinthians 4:19 remains profoundly relevant for believers and the church today, challenging us to critically examine what we truly value in spiritual leadership, ministry, and our own lives. It compels us to look beyond outward appearances, charismatic personalities, or eloquent communication, and instead to seek and discern genuine spiritual power—evidenced in transformed lives, humble service, the fruit of the Spirit, and the demonstration of God's work. This verse serves as a vital caution against spiritual pride and arrogance, urging us to cultivate humility and to recognize that true spiritual impact flows from God's enabling power, not from self-inflated importance or human wisdom. Moreover, Paul's submission to "if the Lord will" provides a crucial model for all our plans and aspirations, reminding us to live in constant dependence on God's sovereign will, trusting Him to direct our paths for His glory.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life or ministry might I be relying on "speech" (human effort, charisma, or intellectual prowess) rather than "power" (God's enabling grace)?**
* **How do I discern between genuine spiritual authority and mere outward show in Christian leaders, ministries, or even in myself?**
* **Am I truly submitting my plans and aspirations to the Lord's will, or do I often proceed as if my way is inherently best?**
* **Where might I be "puffed up" with pride, and how can I cultivate greater humility and dependence on God?**

### FAQ
**What does Paul mean by contrasting "speech" with "power"?**

Answer: Paul uses "speech" (Greek, _logos_) to refer to human eloquence, persuasive rhetoric, or intellectual arguments that, while impressive to some, lack divine substance and transformative effect. In stark contrast, "power" (Greek, _dýnamis_) signifies the genuine, active working of God's Spirit, which manifests in spiritual authority, transformed lives, and the demonstration of God's presence. Paul emphasizes that the Kingdom of God is not about persuasive words but about the tangible demonstration of God's power, as he articulates in [1 Corinthians 2:4-5](/1_corinthians/2-4-5 "1 Corinthians 2:4-5 - Paul's Preaching in Power, Not Wisdom"), where he states his preaching was "not with persuasive words of human wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power."

**Why does Paul say "if the Lord will" when declaring his intention to visit?**

Answer: This phrase, "if the Lord will" (Greek, _ean kyrios thelei_), is a common expression of humble dependence on God's sovereignty in the New Testament. It reflects the understanding that all human plans, no matter how earnest or well-intentioned, are ultimately contingent upon God's permission and divine purpose. Paul, despite his apostolic authority and strong desire to visit, acknowledges that his ability to do so is entirely subject to the Lord's will, a sentiment echoed in [James 4:15](/james/4-15 "James 4:15 - Submitting to God's Will"), which advises, "Instead you ought to say, 'If the Lord wills, we will live and do this or that.'"

**Who are "them which are puffed up" that Paul refers to in this verse?**

Answer: Paul is referring to certain individuals within the Corinthian church who had become arrogant and conceited, likely due to their perceived wisdom, spiritual gifts, or allegiance to particular leaders. These individuals were boasting and causing divisions, valuing human wisdom and rhetorical skill over the humble, cross-centered message of the gospel. Paul uses the term "puffed up" (_physióō_) multiple times in his Corinthian letters to address this pervasive issue of pride, such as in [1 Corinthians 8:1](/1_corinthians/8-1 "1 Corinthians 8:1 - Knowledge Puffs Up"), where he warns that "knowledge puffs up, but love builds up."

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
1 Corinthians 4:19, in its powerful contrast between human "speech" and divine "power," points profoundly to Jesus Christ as the ultimate embodiment and source of God's true power. While the world often values eloquent discourse and human reasoning, God chose to reveal His saving power through the seemingly weak and foolish message of the cross, as Paul explains in [1 Corinthians 1:18-25](/1_corinthians/1-18-25 "1 Corinthians 1:18-25 - The Cross as God's Power and Wisdom"). Jesus Himself did not rely on rhetorical cleverness but spoke with an inherent authority that astonished His hearers, demonstrating the "power" of God through His miracles, healings, and ultimately, His resurrection from the dead ([Matthew 7:29](/matthew/7-29 "Matthew 7:29 - Jesus Teaches with Authority"); [Luke 4:36](/luke/4-36 "Luke 4:36 - Jesus' Authority Over Demons")). The Holy Spirit, the very power of God, was poured out at Pentecost, empowering believers not with persuasive words but with divine _dynamis_ to bear witness to Christ's saving work ([Acts 1:8](/acts/1-8 "Acts 1:8 - Power to Witness"); [Acts 2:1-4](/acts/2-1-4 "Acts 2:1-4 - Pentecost and the Spirit's Power")). Thus, Paul's intention to assess the Corinthians by "power" rather than "speech" is a call for them to align their lives and ministry with the nature of Christ's humble yet powerful ministry and the Spirit's transformative work, where true spiritual reality is found in the authentic, God-given presence and demonstration of His power, culminating in the saving work of the crucified and resurrected Lord.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

2 Corinthians 13:1

¶ This [is] the third [time] I am coming to you. In the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word be established.

2 Corinthians 13:4

For though he was crucified through weakness, yet he liveth by the power of God. For we also are weak in him, but we shall live with him by the power of God toward you.

Acts 18:21

But bade them farewell, saying, I must by all means keep this feast that cometh in Jerusalem: but I will return again unto you, if God will. And he sailed from Ephesus.

Acts 19:21

¶ After these things were ended, Paul purposed in the spirit, when he had passed through Macedonia and Achaia, to go to Jerusalem, saying, After I have been there, I must also see Rome.

2 Corinthians 1:23

Moreover I call God for a record upon my soul, that to spare you I came not as yet unto Corinth.

1 Corinthians 4:18

Now some are puffed up, as though I would not come to you.

1 Corinthians 2:6

¶ Howbeit we speak wisdom among them that are perfect: yet not the wisdom of this world, nor of the princes of this world, that come to nought: